Job 9:8

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Job 9:8 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

He alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea.

King James Version KJV

Which alone spreadeth out the heavens, and treadeth upon the waves of the sea.

American Standard Version ASV

That alone stretcheth out the heavens, And treadeth upon the waves of the sea;

Bible in Basic English BBE

By whose hand the heavens were stretched out, and who is walking on the waves of the sea:

Free Bible Version FBV

He alone is the one who stretches out the heavens and walks on the waves of the sea.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Hee himselfe alone spreadeth out the heauens, and walketh vpon the height of the sea.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Stretching out the heavens by Himself, And treading on the heights of the sea,

World English Bible WEB

He alone stretches out the heavens, and treads on the waves of the sea.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Who alone spreadeth out the heavens, and treadeth upon the waves of the sea.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Who alone spreadeth out the heavens, and walketh upon the waves of the sea.

Translation for Translators T4T

He alone ◄stretched out/put in place► the sky; he alone puts his feet on the waves (OR, on the huge sea monster).

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Job 9:8

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Job 9:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB נֹטֶ֣ה שָׁמַ֣יִם לְ/בַדּ֑/וֹ וְ֝/דוֹרֵ֗ךְ עַל בָּ֥מֳתֵי יָֽם

נֹטֶ֣ה nâṭâh H5186 to stretch V-Qal

שָׁמַ֣יִם shâmayim H8064 heaven N-mp

לְ/בַדּ֑/וֹ bad H905 alone Prep | N-ms | Suff

וְ֝/דוֹרֵ֗ךְ dârak H1869 to tread Conj | V-Qal

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

בָּ֥מֳתֵי bâmâh H1116 high place N-fp

יָֽם yâm H3220 West N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 9:8

נֹטֶ֣ה nâṭâh H5186 "to stretch" V-Qal

To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.

Definition: 1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer 1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent) 1a3) to bend, turn, incline 1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down 1a3b) to bend, bow 1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stretch out 1c2) to spread out 1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away

Usage: Occurs in 207 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afternoon, apply, bow (down, -ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down, be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched, overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread (out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away), wrest, cause to yield. See also: Genesis 12:8; Psalms 31:3; Psalms 17:6.

שָׁמַ֣יִם shâmayim H8064 "heaven" N-mp

The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.

Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)

Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.

לְ/בַדּ֑/וֹ bad H905 "alone" Prep | N-ms | Suff

The Hebrew word 'bad' can mean alone, apart, or a separate part of something, like a branch or a bar. It's used to describe something that's only or except for something else.

Definition: : pole 1) alone, by itself, besides, a part, separation, being alone 1a) separation, alone, by itself 1a1) only (adv) 1a2) apart from, besides (prep) 1b) part 1c) parts (eg limbs, shoots), bars

Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: alone, apart, bar, besides, branch, by self, of each alike, except, only, part, staff, strength. See also: Genesis 2:18; Judges 20:15; Psalms 51:6.

וְ֝/דוֹרֵ֗ךְ dârak H1869 "to tread" Conj | V-Qal

To tread means to walk or step on something, and is used in the Bible to describe various actions, such as treading a press or leading an army. In Exodus 15:6 and Psalm 60:12, the word is used to describe God's power and leadership, highlighting His ability to guide and direct His people.

Definition: 1) to tread, bend, lead, march 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tread, march, march forth 1a2) to tread on, tread upon 1a3) to tread (a press) 1a4) to tread (bend) a bow 1a5) archer, bow-benders (participle) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to tread, tread down 1b2) to tread (bend with the foot) a bow 1b3) to cause to go, lead, march, tread

Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: archer, bend, come, draw, go (over), guide, lead (forth), thresh, tread (down), walk. See also: Numbers 24:17; Proverbs 4:11; Psalms 7:13.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

בָּ֥מֳתֵי bâmâh H1116 "high place" N-fp

A high place or elevation, often referring to a cultic platform or mountain. In the Bible, it can also refer to battlefields or funeral mounds, as seen in various passages.

Definition: 1) high place, ridge, height, bamah (technical name for cultic platform) 1a) high place, mountain 1b) high places, battlefields 1c) high places (as places of worship) 1d) funeral mound?

Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: height, high place, wave. See also: Leviticus 26:30; 1 Chronicles 16:39; Psalms 18:34.

יָֽם yâm H3220 "West" N-ms

Refers to a large body of water like the Mediterranean Sea or a sea in general, sometimes specifically the west or seaward direction.

Definition: This name means sea, seaward, westward Another name of eph.ron (עֶפְרוֹן "(Mount )Ephron" H6085H)

Usage: Occurs in 339 OT verses. KJV: sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 1:10; Joshua 17:10; Psalms 8:9.

Study Notes — Job 9:8

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Job 9:8 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Job 9:8
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 9:8
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 9:8
Trapp's Commentary on Job 9:8
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 9:8
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 9:8
Cambridge Bible on Job 9:8
Barnes' Notes on Job 9:8
Whedon's Commentary on Job 9:8
Sermons on Job 9:8

Context — Job: How Can I Contend with God?

6He shakes the earth from its place, so that its foundations tremble. 7He commands the sun not to shine; He seals off the stars.

8He alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea.

9He is the Maker of the Bear and Orion, of the Pleiades and the constellations of the south. 10He does great things beyond searching out, and wonders without number.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Isaiah 44:24	Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer who formed you from the womb: “I am the LORD, who has made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who by Myself spread out the earth,
2	Isaiah 40:22	He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth; its dwellers are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in.
3	Psalms 104:2–3	He wraps Himself in light as with a garment; He stretches out the heavens like a tent, laying the beams of His chambers in the waters above, making the clouds His chariot, walking on the wings of the wind.
4	Zechariah 12:1	This is the burden of the word of the LORD concerning Israel. Thus declares the LORD, who stretches out the heavens and lays the foundation of the earth, who forms the spirit of man within him:
5	Job 37:18	can you, like Him, spread out the skies to reflect the heat like a mirror of bronze?
6	Jeremiah 10:11	Thus you are to tell them: “These gods, who have made neither the heavens nor the earth, will perish from this earth and from under these heavens.”
7	Psalms 33:6	By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and all the stars by the breath of His mouth.
8	Matthew 14:25–30	During the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went out to them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus spoke up at once: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.” “Lord, if it is You,” Peter replied, “command me to come to You on the water.” “Come,” said Jesus. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
9	Genesis 1:6–7	And God said, “Let there be an expanse between the waters, to separate the waters from the waters.” So God made the expanse and separated the waters beneath it from the waters above. And it was so.
10	Job 38:16	Have you journeyed to the vents of the sea or walked in the trenches of the deep?

Job 9:8 Summary

This verse in Job 9:8 is telling us about how powerful God is. He is the One who created the whole universe, stretching out the heavens like a big canvas (as we also see in Psalm 104:2), and He has control over everything, even the huge waves of the sea. This means God is in charge of everything and can take care of us, no matter what happens, just like it says in Matthew 19:26 that with God all things are possible. It's a reminder of how big and amazing our God is, and how much we can trust Him.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for God to 'stretch out the heavens' in Job 9:8?

This phrase emphasizes God's power and creative authority, as seen in other passages like Psalm 104:2 and Isaiah 40:22, where He is described as the One who stretches out the heavens like a curtain.

How can God 'tread on the waves of the sea'?

This expression highlights God's dominion over creation, including the powerful forces of nature, as also seen in Psalm 77:19, where His footprints are described as being in the great waters.

Is this verse talking about God's creation or His ongoing involvement in the world?

While the verse does reference God's creative power, it also implies His ongoing sovereignty and involvement in the world, as expressed in passages like Colossians 1:17, where Christ is said to be holding all things together.

What does this verse teach us about God's character?

This verse teaches us about God's immense power, creative genius, and authority over all creation, reflecting the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty, as seen in verses like Jeremiah 32:17 and Matthew 19:26.

Reflection Questions

As I reflect on God's power to stretch out the heavens, how does this impact my perspective on my own problems and challenges?
In what ways can I see God's authority and dominion in the world around me, and how should this affect my daily life?
How does the image of God treading on the waves of the sea speak to His ability to care for me in the midst of life's storms?
What are some areas in my life where I need to surrender to God's sovereignty, acknowledging His ultimate authority and control?

Gill's Exposition on Job 9:8

Which alone spreadeth out the heavens,.... The expanse, or what we commonly translate "firmament"; but has its name in the Hebrew language from its being expanded, spread, and stretched out, over the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 9:8

Which alone spreadeth out the heavens, and treadeth upon the waves of the sea. Spreadeth out. "He stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in" (Isaiah 40:22; Psalms 104:2).

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 9:8

Alone, i.e. by his own single power, without any other: help. Spreadeth out the heavens: he spread them out like a curtain, ,2; and he in a manner spreads them again every day, i.e. keeps them spread for the comfort and benefit of this lower world, and doth not roll and fold them up, as he will do in due time: see . Or, boweth down the heavens, as the same Hebrew verb is rendered, . So it is a further description of a black-and tempestuous season, wherein the heavens seem to be brought down and nearer to the earth. Treadeth upon the waves of the sea, i.e. represseth and ruleth them when they rage and are tempestuous; for treading upon any thing signifies in Scripture use power and dominion over it; as

Trapp's Commentary on Job 9:8

Job 9:8 Which alone spreadeth out the heavens, and treadeth upon the waves of the sea.Ver. 8. Which alone spreadeth out the heavens] Without the help or counsel of any other. As God was alone and by himself in making the world, Isaiah 44:24, so he is in ordering it, Job 37:18 Psalms 104:1-2. The Hebrews, as they held with Pythagoras in the point of transanimation; so with Plato in that false opinion of his, that the angels were the movers of the heavens, and the governors of the whole world; whence grew that angel worship amongst them, Colossians 2:18. As God made the heavens alone, even that whole expanse or firmament, Genesis 1:6, the whole region of the air; so he still spreadeth it out as a curtain, which he draweth before the sun and stars, masking and muffling them up with clouds, whensoever he pleaseth. And treadeth upon the waves of the sea] Or, spurneth, exercising a regiment over the raging surges of the seas, though they seem to swell against him. Thus Job fetcheth evidences of God’ s power from all places. See Psalms 89:9.

Ellicott's Commentary on Job 9:8

(8) Waves of the sea.—Literally, high place of the sea: the sea when and where it runs mountains high. The various physical phenomena of earthquake, eclipse, and hurricane are here described as the field of Divine action and the operations of His hands.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 9:8

Verse 8. And treadeth upon the waves] This is a very majestic image. God not only walks upon the waters, but when the sea runs mountains high, he steps from billow to billow in his almighty and essential majesty. There is a similar sentiment in David, Psalms 29:10: "The Lord sitteth upon the flood; yea, the Lord sitteth King for ever." But both are far outdone by the Psalmist, Psalms 18:9-15, and especially in these words, Psalms 18:10, He did fly on the wings of the wind. Job is great, but in every respect David is greater.

Cambridge Bible on Job 9:8

8. The point lies in the gigantic power of God who “alone” and of Himself stretched out the heavens; cf. the expression of the same idea of power, Isaiah 40:12; Isaiah 44:24. In Isaiah 40:22 it is said that God stretches out the heavens as a curtain and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in. Our “firmament” is a relic of a false astronomy for which scripture is not responsible. waves of the sea] lit. heights of the sea, cf. heights of the earth, Amos 4:13. The “sea” here is scarcely the celestial waters, Psalms 29:3. God is represented as walking on the sea when its waves mount up to heaven, and His voice may be heard in the thunder.

Barnes' Notes on Job 9:8

Which alone spreadeth out the heavens - As an expanse, or a curtain; see the notes at Isaiah 40:22. And treadeth upon the waves of the sea - Margin, “Heights.” So it is in the Hebrew.

Whedon's Commentary on Job 9:8

8. Alone — Creation is solely the work of God. This gives him sole proprietorship. In argument the word “alone” tells against Job. Spreadeth out — ðùׂ ?ä.

Sermons on Job 9:8

	Sermon	Description
	Our Lord Walking on the Water Matthew 14:22-36 by R.A. Torrey	R.A. Torrey explores the profound lesson of faith and reliance on Jesus as He walks on water to reach His disciples during a storm. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus sends His follo
	(Through the Bible) Isaiah 43-45 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not worshiping nature or created things, but rather worshiping the Creator, God. He highlights that nature reveals God to
	The More Sure Word by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Skip leads a study on Isaiah 44 through 46. He highlights the richness and significance of these chapters and expresses his excitement to delve into them. Th
	Mounting Up With Eagles Wings - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill	Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the power and majesty of God as depicted in Isaiah 40, particularly focusing on the promise that those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength
	Praise and Thanksgiving: Praise the Creator by Warren Wiersbe	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Revelation chapter 4 and highlights the central theme of worship in heaven. The chapter describes John's arrival in heaven, where he sees a
	What Kind of Being Is Man - Part 1 by Paris Reidhead	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the nature of God and highlights several characteristics of God mentioned in the scripture. He emphasizes that God is right, truth, light, li
	His Immensity - Part 2 by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the wonder and mystery of God's creation. They share a personal anecdote about their younger brother's fear of falling up, highlighting the